HOT 5 - 5/2/25
Dear Hot Friends,
In the lead-up to Mother’s Day, I came across this beautiful photo of my mom, Ruth, at five years old with her mother, my grandmother Augustine, taken exactly 100 years ago. I absolutely love it! I’m struck not only by its charm, but by how incredibly stylish it is.
My grandmother is effortlessly elegant in a narrow white midi dress adorned with delicate embellishments, paired with what appear to be strappy white kid leather pumps. She’s holding a sleek envelope-style handbag and wearing a fashionably long beaded necklace. Both she and my mother have chic bobbed haircuts—so iconic of the 1920s.
I’m not sure who took the photo, but it was likely my grandfather, Dr. Wellington Watson Cooper, a passionate amateur photographer who was rarely without his trusty Kodak Brownie. I feel so lucky to have these treasured snapshots from the past.
With just over a week until Mother’s Day, I’ve dedicated this Hot 5 to fabulous, last-minute HOT gifts—perfect for the moms in your life, or as a well-deserved treat for yourself. I’m happy to wrap them beautifully and ship them wherever they need to go.
And here’s a little something extra: enjoy 20% off any item now through Mother’s Day!
This week’s Hot 5:
1. For the mom who values vintage
2. For the mom who likes something a little extra
3. For the mom who loves fun bags
4. For the mom who always loves a classic piece
5. For the mom who wants the Hottest new fashion item
1. For the mom who values vintage
The best part about shopping vintage is getting something unique! It's a little more special when it's vintage and doesn't the special mom in your life deserve that? Here are some newish vintage pieces among many on the site:
Semi-precious gems and freshwater pearls cascade down this stunning stainless steel mesh collar necklace by uber talented 80s jewelry designer Connie Bates. This piece has the power to elevate absolutely everything you pair it with!
This head-turning vintage brown leather belt by 1980s jewelry designer Connie Bates features a remarkable sterling silver buckle with brass dots. Large and beautifully sculpted, Its the perfect accessory for those urban cowgirls out there! 2” wide and tapers to a point. Can be worn at the waist or hip. 40” long. A prolific 1980s designer known for her belts as well as her jewelry, Connie Bate’s designs are sculptural and imbued with urban glamour.
This vintage bracelet has gorgeous large rectangular links in silver and is by the prolific Danish jewelry designer Jacob Hull. Known for his ultra modern designs from the 1970s, this bracelet is truly a stand out. The bracelet has a hook clasp and is showing a bit of wear. 8” long and will fit most wrists.
2. For the mom who likes something a little extra
Some moms just love to turn up in something fun and different that sparks conversation. Any of these will fulfill that need:
Add a little attitude to your lapel a la Schiaparelli with this striking evil-eye brooch! Rhinestones and pearl drops surround a turquoise eye, 2 1/2” x 2”.
This 18KT gold-plated multi-band Chakra ring brings together powerful gemstones; garnet, amethyst, iolite, blue topaz, green onyx, citrine, and carnelian. They provide balance, energy, love, friendship, spirituality, peace, and prosperity. Made in India. Size 7
Take a walk on the playful side in these charming monkey earrings, holding a vintage-inspired pearl. They are made of 22K antique gold plated over brass and hand-crafted in New York.
3. For the mom who loves fun bags
You can never have too many makeup bags or totes. I think the best ones feature eye-catching prints and bold colors like these from Hot favorites Lalela and Juditha Sakinofsky.
Simphiwe, a South African visual artist whose career began when he enrolled in the Lalela arts program in 2010, created the visually compelling art on this cotton tote bag. He is now well-known for his bold portraits. Profits from the sale of these bags go back to the Lalela program, which provides arts education for at-risk students in South Africa. The bag is 14 1/2” x 15 1/2” in cotton canvas.
This stunning tote, handmade in Cape Town S.A., is all you need this summer at the beach or anywhere you plan on carrying a lot stylishly! Created with 100% cotton African print fabric, each piece is made with zero waste in mind and measures 17 1/2 x16 x 7 inches.
4. For the mom who always loves a classic piece
For those that love to rock a more classic style we have plenty of great pieces that add a little spice to your wardrobe while keeping you in your comfort zone.
These gorgeous chubby hammered 18 carat gold plate hoops will be your everyday go-to earrings! 1” long.
This edgy silver chain bracelet is made even more special with the addition of a sparkling pavé link. Water and tarnish resistant, 8” long.
This beautiful hammered gold necklace displays an image of the bull for the zodiac sign Taurus (those born from Apr. 20 to May 20). The 14K gold-plated brass zodiac token has inlaid cubic zirconia stones. The coin diameter is 18 mm and is a little smaller than a dime. The Hamilton gold-plated cable chain with lobster clasp is 8 1'/2” long.
5. For the mom who wants the Hottest new fashion item
Anyone who has been following what's hot in fashion is well aware of the intense interest in putting charms on just about anything. I've been having a blast making bag charms and they make a perfect gift too!
Terry xoxo
2 thick gold chains hold various sized green gems and a tres chic cocktail ring! 14” long.
An homage to Tom Binns and Punk, this bag charm features black and silver safety pins and fringe on silver chain. 14” long.
Silver and rhinestone multi-sized chains and a large blue eye make up this charm piece. It fastens to your bag with a large rhinestone claw clip. 7” long.